Tuesday 29 November 2016 11:16, UK
England captain Alastair Cook has backed opener Haseeb Hameed to overcome his injury setback and return to Test cricket.
Hameed, 19, is heading home from the tour of India for an operation on the little finger of his left hand.
In the wake of England's eight-wicket third Test defeat to India, head coach Trevor Bayliss told Sky Sports that the 19-year-old wanted to stay with the squad after making an unbeaten 59 having come in at eight.
But skipper Cook revealed that the extent of the problem means that sending Hameed home is the only option.
"It's terrible luck on the young kid," said Cook. "It's devastating for him but he will come back again - there's no doubt about it.
"He changed his grip so he wasn't using that part of his hand; it shows what a future he has. A lot of Test cricket is played in your mind and he's made of the right stuff.
"He wanted to bat. You can't hold the guys back like that. I'd much rather a bloke played like that and gave everything for England and then we can sort it out afterwards.
"He was desperate to get out there. He kept going to nets seeing if he could change this or that; for a 19-year-old to go and do that and play like that is what we want from English people.
"He showed so much determination and courage that we should applaud that."
Bayliss was equally impressed with Hameed, adding: "He keeps amazing everyone with his attitude - you wouldn't have known it (the finger) was broken in the dressing room.
"It was a fantastic effort - another plus in his corner. Not only can he play but he's a tough little character as well.
"I think the doctors probably knew it was cracked but they didn't want to distract him either. It was a gutsy effort.
"We've had to talk him into the (fact that the) best thing is going home - he wants to get out and play."
Bayliss said no decision has yet been made about a replacement for the Lancashire batsman.
The Australian explained on Sky Sports 2: "We've got a few names in our mindset for sure but we've got to get together and chat as a selection group over the next 24 hours."
The fourth Test in Mumbai starts on December 8 and Bayliss added: "We've got a bit of time before the next match so it's up to us to come up with a name."
Watch the fourth Test between India and England live on Sky Sports 2 from 3.30am on 8th December.
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4th!
